T

housands of people gathered in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Monday to witness the Easter parade with participants coming from various religious and ethnic groups.

The religious harmony shown in the 10-kilometer parade prompted NTT Governor Frans Lebu Raya to declare it, along with Semana Santa procession in Larantuka, East Flores regency, a religious-tourism icon.

'€œThe spiritual celebrations in NTT, which involve thousands of people, should be promoted further, because the most important message contained in the events is religious harmony in NTT,'€ Frans said.

Frans has instructed the Kupang mayor and East Flores regent to cooperate and package both spiritual events better, so tourists can have the unique experience of watching the Semana Santa in Larantuka, East Flores, on Good Friday and the Easter parade in Kupang on Easter Monday.

The Semana Santa procession is a celebration of Jesus Christ and his mother Mary. It has been held by native Larantuka residents for five centuries.

Indonesia Church Association (PGI) head Rev. Dr. Henriette Tabita Hutabarat Lebang expressed the hope the Easter parade could serve as a celebration for Christians in Kupang and not just a ceremonial festive event, it should be interpreted and implemented in everyday life.

'€œI came from as far as Jakarta to personally watch the annual Easter parade held in Kupang,'€ said Henriette, before starting the parade with the governor.

Timor Evangelical Church (GMIT) leader Rev. Mery Kolimon said the Easter parade served as a message in the form of theological contextualization, which should be able to be implemented jointly by people in a spiritual and religious atmosphere.

'€œThe Easter parade is not an act of fun with participants acting strangely during the procession. It should be understood that the Easter parade is a sermon and part of greater worship, so everyone watching can grasp the message conveyed through the parade,'€ said Mery.

Easter parade organizing head Adrianus Talli said the parade was joined by 90 participants from GMIT, Catholic and interreligious groups in Kupang city.

The parade, he added, was divided into various processions and set off in front of the Anugerah Church and finished at the Talitakumi Church. The leader of the Kupang chapter of the Indonesian Hindu Religious Council (PHDI) I Nyoman Mahayasa said the Easter parade was part of a positive religious activity in the framework of diversity in enhancing religious tolerance in NTT.

'€œWe strongly support this event and thank you for the opportunity given to Hindus to join this event. Hopefully this carnival will become a new attraction for tourism in NTT in the future, in particular religious tourism,'€ Mahayasa told The Jakarta Post.

NTT Ansor Youth Movement leader Abdul Muis said Ansor'€™s participation in the event was part of the maintenance of harmony among religious communities in NTT.

Ansor has been taking part in the event since 1996.

'€œThe Easter parade, a commemoration for Christians is not only owned by them, but is also owned by the entire community in NTT,'€ he said.

Kupang City Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Budi Hermawan said 450 personnel had been deployed to secure 35 spots along the route passed by the parade.

'€œThe 35 points passed by the parade are traffic-congested areas, so they will be the focus of attention of the Kupang City Police,'€ he said.